Ma Chao Pursues Cao Cao
Inauspicious
The poem
Original: 梦中得宝醒来无 / 自谓南山只是锄 / 若问婚姻并问病 / 别寻条路为相扶
The story
Cao Cao had killed Ma Chao's father, and Ma Chao rose to avenge him, routing Cao's army. Cao Cao tore off his embroidered robe and cut short his beard to escape recognition, fleeing on horseback and coming within a hair of death; only his kinsman Cao Hong's desperate rescue saved him. A pursuit that seemed certain let its quarry slip away.
What it means
This is the sign of treasure gained in a dream. What you hold turns out to be a shadow; lengths and portions are already allotted, and no amount of discussion will change them. Questions about marriage and about illness in particular should not be pressed along the same old path. Look instead for a different road and find your support on it. Changing direction early, or simply changing method, is far better than propping up something that has already emptied out.
By area of life
Wealth
Gains here are morning cloud: talked of as riches, then gone. Save steadily instead, and treat generosity as the more reliable investment.
Love
This attachment is dew that dries at sunrise. Turn elsewhere and look for someone who will actually meet you with an honest heart.
Work
Working for yourself will not carry you now. Take employment, attach yourself to someone stronger, and do not force yourself into the owner's chair.
Health
The present treatment is doing little. Change the prescription quickly, or work on the state of mind behind the symptom, and results will follow.
Travel
Travelling far for profit is like watching a mirage, delightful to look at and nothing at all in the hand when you reach for it.
Advice
The dream is over; stop mourning it and take a road that actually exists.